Avalanche In Tignes: Multiple Casualties Feared In French Alps Resort

Multiple casualties are feared after an avalanche hit the French Alps ski resort of Tignes Tuesday burying several skiers in the snow, according to local media. The incident took place about 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. EST).

About 30 people are feared buried. Local authorities have launched rescue operations, however, rough weather conditions are hampering the efforts. The Tignes ski resort has reportedly been closed following the incident and there is no word on injuries or deaths so far.

"According to witnesses there are many people under the avalanche," a local police spokesman told Agence France Presse (AFP).

The avalanche risk on Tuesday was at four on a scale of five. At level five, local authorities close the slopes, according to AFP.

Last month, an avalanche hit an off-piste section of the same resort killing four people. It was reportedly about 1,311 feet wide and occurred at an altitude of about 6,900 feet and was believed to the deadliest of the ski season. At the time, nine skiers, eight tourists and one guide swept away in the avalanche.

February’s avalanche was reportedly triggered by a group of skiers higher up the mountain and massive search and rescue operation was launched for those buried in the snow. Three skiing-related deaths in the Alps and Pyrenees were recorded this winter and about 45 accidents and 21 deaths last winter.

Every year about 500 to 1,500 avalanches are recorded in the French Alps and most of them are due to of a combination of weather and geological factors, the Local reported Tuesday. Ana avalanche is triggered from fresh heavy snowfall that does not stick to snow, which is already present on the ground.

In order to avoid triggering an avalanche, skiers and tourists are advised to spread out.